Iowa Medical Society launches recruiting effort

In 2009, Iowa had 2.6 physicians for every 1,000 residents, below the 3.2 physician per 1,000 resident average in the United States, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

To combat the shortage, the Iowa Medical Society (IMS) became the first medical organization to launch a recruiting program for its state with the IMS Center for Physician Recruitment. Through its Web site, which promotes the state's quality of life and low cost of living, the program offers IMS members recruiting kits containing a DVD and a 4-color brochure that features physician commentary about why they enjoy practicing in Iowa, a recruiting webinar, and access to a service that offers contact information of physician residents who have a connection to Iowa.